“This bill will ensure that farmers are free to share their industry with all Ohioans,” said Representative Sprague. “It’s extremely important that Ohioans learn about and partake in the agricultural experience, because the hard work of farmers continues to positively contribute to our country and state.”

The bill protects agritourism providers from frivolous lawsuits resulting from accidents that occur during an activity with inherent risk, including surface and subsurface land conditions, the actions of animals, and ordinary dangers associated with equipment and structures used in farming operations.

Conversely, the legislation holds all operators accountable by withholding immunity in the case of willful or wanton disregard for participants’ safety, criminal behavior that causes harm to visitors, or failure to post and maintain required warning signs on the property.

In addition, by ensuring that agritourism operations cannot be prohibited by zoning authorities, House Bill 80 enables local farm markets and agriculture property owners to offer the “farm experience” to everyday Ohioans.

State Representative Robert Sprague (R-Findlay) announced that the Ohio House has passed legislation requiring every county to have the full spectrum of opioid addiction recovery treatment and recovery housing. Rep. Sprague was the chair of the House Prescription Drug Addiction and Healthcare Reform Committee, which traveled around Ohio last summer learning about and studying drug abuse and addiction.

The chairman of the Ohio House Prescription Drug Addiction and Healthcare Reform Study Committee, Robert Sprague (R-Findlay), has begun to discuss details of the findings and recommendations recently released as part of the committee Chairman’s Report.

State Representative Robert Cole Sprague (R-Findlay) has set up an online legislative survey in an effort to gain feedback from the residents of the 83rd Ohio House District regarding a variety of state issues. The survey can be accessed at http://tinyurl.com/SpragueSurvey2013.